Human remains found in remote Targhee National Forest area

TETON COUNTY, Wyo (KIFI) - Law enforcement in Teton County, Wyoming, is currently working to identify human remains recently discovered in a remote section of the Targhee National Forest earlier this month.

The discovery was first reported by the Jackson Hole News & Guide. The remains were found on Sept. 13 by two bow hunters tracking a wounded elk near Starvation Peak and Mosquito Creek, within the Palisades Wilderness Study Area.

"We are doing a forensic and anthropological examination to determine identification, cause, and manner of death," said Teton County Coroner Brent Blue. "It will probably be some period of time before any details will be available."

The hunters tracked the elk's blood trail onto a familiar game path when they spotted bleached bones along a secluded trail, as stated by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office. They communicated their findings through a family member who used satellite text messaging. This family member then contacted the Teton County dispatch center.

At this time, the Teton County Sheriff's Office and Search & Rescue have told Jackson Hole News & Guide that they have no suspicion of foul play.

Investigators are reviewing missing-person reports in Teton County and nearby areas, including Teton and Bonneville counties in Idaho. Due to the location of the recovery site, Sgt. John Faicco mentioned that the deceased individual may have entered the area from the Idaho side near Palisades Reservoir.

Teton County Deputy Coroner Russell Nelson, a forensic anthropologist, stated that the remains were those of a robust man, approximately 5 feet 8 inches in height, and estimated to be between 45 and 65 years old. The remains are estimated to be between three and four years old.

The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who can identify the description or knows of a man who has gone missing in the area over the last few years to contact the agency at its non-emergency number, 307-733-2331.

Local News 8 will continue to track this developing story.